American University unveiled plans this week to evolve its commencement traditions, creating a larger, more vibrant experience for the entire Eagle community.  

Beginning with the 2027–28 academic year—encompassing summer 2027, fall 2027, and spring 2028 graduates—AU will bring each year’s graduating class together during a single, enhanced commencement season every May. 

Under this new format, the university will transition away from December ceremonies after fall 2026. Instead, graduates can look forward to an expanded commencement season, packed with additional opportunities to celebrate alongside classmates, faculty, staff, family, and friends. 

Bringing all graduates together into one unified spring commencement season allows the university to build stronger traditions, enhance special programming, and host shared celebrations for graduates and their guests.  

At the same time, the personal, school-based traditions that Eagles cherish will remain intact. AU will continue hosting school ceremonies, ensuring every graduate crosses the stage to be recognized by their faculty and peers. 

“Our goal is to give every single Eagle a joyful celebration as they join the ranks of AU alumni,” said Kristi Vanoy, director of special events. “By bringing our entire graduating class together each spring, we can create an unforgettable season of festivity—while still keeping the intimate, school-specific ceremonies that mean so much to our students and their families.” 

Importantly, this update applies specifically to commencement—the ceremonial celebration—while academic graduation processes remain completely unaffected: 

• Degrees and transcripts: Students will continue to graduate and receive their degrees as soon as they finish their requirements each summer, fall, or spring semester. Official transcripts, degree conferral dates, and employer verification remain unchanged. 

• Automatic eligibility: Summer and fall graduates will automatically be eligible for the following spring’s commencement ceremonies without taking any additional administrative steps. 

• Honors and awards: Latin honors and academic awards will proceed without any impact. 

Information regarding regalia, ticketing, and schedule details will be sent via email and posted to the commencement website.  

Visit AU’s commencement website to learn more about the upcoming changes.